Is Sports Betting Legal in Rhode Island? Everything You Need to Know 

How Rhode Island Embraced Legal Sports Betting?

Rhode Island’s sports betting journey began with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 Murphy v. NCAA decision, which struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), empowering states to legalize sports wagering.

On June 22, 2018, Governor Gina Raimondo signed the state budget, embedding sports betting legalization, making Rhode Island the eighth state to act post-PASPA. Bally’s Twin River Lincoln accepted the first legal bet on November 26, 2018, followed by Tiverton Casino in December.

Online betting launched in September 2019 via the Sportsbook Rhode Island app, initially requiring in-person registration, which was lifted in July 2020 through SB2919/HB8097, allowing remote sign-ups.

Unlike multi-operator states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island’s monopoly, managed by the Rhode Island Lottery with IGT and Caesars Sportsbook (formerly William Hill), limits choice but ensures tight oversight.

A 2025 Senate bill (SB 748) to end the monopoly by 2026 failed in the House, but discussions continue as the IGT contract nears its November 2026 expiration.

Regulations Governing Rhode Island Sports Betting

The Rhode Island Lottery serves as the state’s gaming regulator, overseeing all sports betting operations with a focus on integrity and consumer safety. Key regulations include:

Age and Location: Bettors must be 18 or older, verified by ID checks (in-person) or online KYC processes (name, address, last four SSN digits). Online bets require physical presence in Rhode Island, enforced by geofencing technology. Violating geolocation rules risks $1,000 fines or 90 days in jail.

Taxation: A 51% state tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) is among the highest in the U.S., with 32% to IGTand 17% to Bally’s. Winnings over $600 face a 24% federal tax and Rhode Island’s 5.99% state income tax. A 0.25% federal excise tax applies to operators.

Restricted Markets: Betting is prohibited on high school sports, politics, entertainment awards (e.g., Oscars), and college player prop bets. In-state college teams (e.g., URI Rams) can be bet on only during tournaments with four or more teams (e.g., March Madness), per a 2023 rule change.

Legal Framework: Federal laws like the 1961 Wire Act and 2006 UIGEA target illegal operators, with state penalties for unlicensed gambling including up to 7 years in prison and $10,000 fines. The Lottery ensures audited odds, SSL encryption, and AML compliance.

The high tax rate and monopoly model maximize state revenue but deter innovation, prompting some bettors to seek offshore alternatives.

Recent Developments in Rhode Island’s Sports Betting

[June 24, 2025]: Rhode Island’s Betting Market Stays Locked as Bills Stall 

[May 5, 2025]: Rhode Island Bill to End IGT Betting Monopoly Paused for Study 

[April 29, 2025]: Rhode Island Rethinks Bill to Criminalize Under-21 iGaming 

Where to Bet in Rhode Island: Top Sportsbooks

Rhode Island’s sports betting options are centralized due to its monopoly structure:

Retail Sportsbooks:

• Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort (100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865): Launched in November 2018, it features a Vegas-style betting lounge with over 100 TVs, kiosks, and dining options. Open daily, typically 9:00 AM to midnight (2:00 AM weekends).
• Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel (777 Tiverton Casino Blvd, Tiverton, RI 02878): Opened its sportsbook in December 2018, offering 50 screens, 24/7 kiosks, and betting windows (9:00 AM–midnight or 8:30 PM, depending on the day).

Online Betting:

• Sportsbook Rhode Island App: The sole legal mobile platform, operated by the Rhode Island Lottery with IGT and Caesars Sportsbook. Remote registration is allowed, but bets require in-state presence. The app is criticized as “outdated” and “clunky,” lacking promotions compared to competitors like DraftKings.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, OwnersBox, and Underdog Fantasy are legal, deemed skill-based by a 2016 attorney general ruling, offering an alternative for fantasy enthusiasts.

The monopoly limits operator diversity, but retail sportsbooks provide vibrant social hubs, especially during events like the Super Bowl or March Madness.

Betting Options: What Can You Wager On?

Rhode Island offers a robust menu of betting options, though constrained by its single-operator model:

Bet Types:

• Moneyline: Bet on the outright winner.
• Point Spreads: Wager on victory margins.
• Totals (Over/Under): Predict combined scores.
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets for higher payouts.
• Teasers: Adjust spreads for better odds.
• Futures: Bet on long-term outcomes (e.g., championship winners).
• Prop Bets: Wager on specific game events (e.g., first touchdown scorer).
• Live Betting: Real-time bets with dynamic odds.
• Round Robins and Straight Bets.

Popular Sports:

• Professional Leagues: High demand for NFL (New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers), NBA (Boston Celtics), MLB (Boston Red Sox), NHL (Boston Bruins), MLS, MMA, boxing, auto racing, and golf. The absence of local pro teams amplifies regional fandom.
• College Sports: Betting on URI Rams, Providence Friars, Brown Bears, and Bryant Bulldogs is allowed, but only in tournaments with four or more teams. College player prop bets are banned.
• Esports: Available with regulatory approval, catering to younger bettors.

Restricted Markets: Prohibited bets include high school sports, politics, entertainment awards, LIV Golf Tour, and college player props. Credit cards cannot fund betting accounts.

Cultural Drivers: Rhode Island’s proximity to Boston fuels betting on New England teams, while local college tournaments like March Madness draw significant action.

The Sportsbook Rhode Island app’s limitations, such as fewer prop bets and promotions, push some bettors toward offshore platforms.

Sports Betting Impact on Rhode Island’s Economy

Sports betting is a key economic driver for Rhode Island, despite its small size. In 2023, the state recorded a $426 million betting handle, generating $39.6 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) and approximately $20.2 million in taxes at the 51% rate.

These funds bolster the General Fund, supporting education, public safety, infrastructure, and problem gambling programs. In fiscal year 2024, sports betting contributed $19.2 million, a 25% drop from the prior year, attributed to competition from Massachusetts and Connecticut’s multi-operator markets.

The industry sustains hundreds of jobs at Bally’s casinos and related sectors like hospitality and technology. With a $573 handle per adult in 2023, Rhode Island performs well per capita, though its total handle lags behind New York ($25.1 billion) and New Jersey ($12.8 billion) in 2024.

Casino-driven tourism boosts local businesses, with visitors spending on dining and lodging. However, the monopoly and high taxes may cap growth, as bettors cross state lines for better options.

*Estimated based on trends.

Offshore Betting Risks: Why Stick to Legal Platforms?

Some Rhode Island bettors turn to offshore sites like Bovada for broader markets (e.g., politics, entertainment awards, college prop bets), better odds, crypto payments, and no geolocation requirements. However, these platforms are illegalunder Rhode Island law, posing significant risks:

• Legal Risks: Violators face $1,000 fines or 90 days in jail for bypassing geofencing. Unlicensed gambling carries penalties up to 7 years in prison and $10,000 fines. Federal laws like the Wire Act and UIGEA may lead to account seizures.

• Financial Risks: Offshore sites risk delayed or withheld payouts, account closures, or site disappearances, with no legal recourse for bettors.

• Data Security Risks: Lacking U.S. data protections, offshore platforms increase risks of fraud and identity theft, especially with cryptocurrency transactions.

Legal platforms, regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery, offer:

• Audited odds for fairness.

• SSL encryption and multi-factor authentication for security.

• KYC and AML compliance to prevent fraud.

• Responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits and self-exclusion, absent in offshore sites.

Choosing legal options ensures safety and accountability.

Responsible Gambling

Rhode Island prioritizes responsible gambling to protect bettors. The Sportsbook Rhode Island app and Bally’s casinos provide:

• Self-Exclusion: Bans from 6 months to lifetime, with winnings from excluded players forfeited to problem gambling programs.

• Deposit/Spending Limits: Caps on daily, weekly, or monthly deposits.

• Time/Wager Limits: Restrict session durations or bet amounts.

• Cool-Off Periods: Temporary account suspensions.

• Staff Training: Casino employees are trained to identify problem gambling behaviors.

Resources include:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-877-9GAMBLE): 24/7 support via phone, text, or chat.

• Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG): Offers counseling, support groups, and up to $150,000 annually from forfeited winnings for prevention and treatment.

• Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon: Peer support for bettors and families.

• GamTalk: 24/7 online support forum.

Practical tips:

• Budget 1–5% of disposable income.

• Take 30–60-minute breaks.

• Avoid chasing losses.

• Balance betting with activities like exploring Narragansett Bay or attending URI Rams games.

Approximately 2–3% of U.S. adults face gambling issues, and Rhode Island’s tax revenue supports treatment, though specific 2024 funding details are unavailable.

Future of Sports Betting in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s sports betting market is stable but primed for change. The IGT contract expiration in November 2026 could end the monopoly, with the Rhode Island Lottery planning a 2026 RFI to explore new operators like DraftKings and FanDuel.

The failed 2025 Senate bill (SB 748) proposed licensing 3–5 operators to boost competition, innovation, and revenue. A Spectrum Gaming Group report recommends adding 4–6 providers and lowering the 51% tax rate to attract top firms.

Restrictions on college player props, high school sports, and LIV Golf will likely persist to protect integrity. With competition from Massachusetts and Connecticut impacting revenue, Rhode Island’s shift to a multi-operator model could unlock significant growth.

Is sports betting legal in Rhode Island?

Yes, legal in-person at Bally’s Twin River and Tiverton casinos and online via the Sportsbook Rhode Island app.

What’s the minimum betting age?

18, verified by ID or KYC processes.

Where can I bet?

At Bally’s Twin River (Lincoln), Tiverton Casino, or online through Sportsbook Rhode Island.

Can I bet on URI Rams or Providence Friars?

Yes, during tournaments with four or more teams, but college player prop bets are banned.

What bets are available?

Moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, futures, live betting; no high school, politics, or entertainment bets.

Why avoid offshore sites?

They risk fines, payment delays, and data breaches, unlike regulated platforms with audited odds.

Where can I get help for gambling issues?

Contact 1-877-9GAMBLE or the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling.